Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 1.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Lucas Phillips
as a local I can confirm
27 upvotes
Isla S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
Zoey Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Ariana King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 40, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Joyce C.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.